Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

‘Why Asians can prosper in Britain’s armed forces’

by LAUREN CODLING

AN INDIAN pharmacist and honorary consul of India for Wales has praised the armed forces for making an effort to be more inclusive, as he celebrated his recent promotion in the Royal Navy earlier this year.


Raj Aggarwal, the first Indian recipient of an honorary commission in the Royal Navy, was promoted to honorary commander after only six months in the role.

Expressing his delight at the news, Aggarwal said he was grateful to the navy for the “special” position they had granted him.

“Clearly my appointment was another small step to making a difference and showing that Asians can prosper and be promoted in the navy and all the other armed forces,” he told

Eastern Eye.

The businessman, who will celebrate his 70th birthday this month, hopes to use his position to create greater diversity in the forces.

He believes the armed forces are aware that Asians are under-represented, and the diversity levels in the UK should be reflected across all professions, including the Royal Navy.

According to government statistics published last October, ethnic minorities made up 2.5 per cent of officers in the UK regular armed forces, compared with 2.4 per cent in April 2012.

In the Royal Navy, ethnic minorities make up two per cent of officers while personnel in other ranks amount to 4.5 per cent.

Describing a role in the armed forces as “rewarding”, Aggarwal said the navy are aware they would be “missing out” on talent if Asian recruits did not think it was a place they could prosper.

“Recently, the armed forces have invested in promoting changes and are now showing British Asians that they are welcome,” he said.

However, he believed there were a number of misconceptions which could prevent young people from pursing a career in the armed forces.

“There’s this view that you have to be some kind of special forces superhero who can run three marathons in a day in full kit,” he said.

“Certainly, you have to be physically fit to pass basic training but not everyone who joins is expected to be a Royal Marines commando or join the Special Forces.”

He noted that not many people were aware of how many careers were available in the forces – from catering to tech and medicine to finance, there were opportunities for people from all employment backgrounds. Just about every career in the outside world existed

in the service, he said.

Aggarwal has had an extensive and successful career in the sector. The chairman of RK Aggarwal Ltd, he set up a successful chain of pharmacies in Cardiff, as well as the online beauty website offering Escentual products.

The father-of-two is also known for his work in the charity sector. He is involved with a number of initiatives, including the City Hospice in Cardiff, which he helped move to its current, purpose-built premises.

“I do enjoy giving something back,” he revealed.

He sits on several influential boards, including Kidney Wales Foundation, of which he is the former chairman.

He revealed that his proudest moment, besides the birth of his children and grandchildren, was his role in changing the opt-out law for organ donation in Wales.

After being introduced on December 1, 2015, all operational waiting lists for organs in the country dropped 38 per cent in its first year.

“That’s effectively 146 lives saved in the first year. And as a result of this success, the same law is being introduced in England, Scotland and Ireland,” he said.

“To put it simply, this legislation will save misery and thousands of lives, and I am glad to be part of it.”

In 1967, Aggarwal emigrated from Kenya to Wales. Still based in Cardiff, he described his earliest memories of the UK as “lonely”.

At the age of 16, he was enrolled in a British boarding school, but he missed his family terribly, he said. Claiming that he had to fend for himself, Aggarwal admitted he had trouble settling into an unfamiliar culture.

“It was a much colder climate, and school was quite regimental,” he recalled. “I had to do everything for myself. I realised how pampered I had been.

“But it toughened me up and made me resourceful. I realised that you have to be self-sufficient if you want to prosper in this world.”

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less